Last Name Jelic

The surname Jelic is of Croatian origin. It is derived from various Slavic male given names ending in "-ić" or "-ich", which are patronymics, meaning they indicate the son of a particular person. In this case, the name Jelic could be derived from the Slavic personal name "Jela", which means "yew tree". The "-ić" suffix denotes that the original bearer was the son of someone named Jela. This pattern is common in Southern Slavic countries such as Croatia.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jelic

The meaning and origin of the last name Jelic

The surname Jelic is of Croatian origin, derived from various place names across Croatia, such as Jelinak, Jelinek, or Jezero (meaning "pond" or "lake") that share similar morphology. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of these geographic names were adapted by the inhabitants and passed down through generations, leading to the formation of various surnames like Jelic. The name is predominantly found among Croatian and other Slavic populations who migrated from the Balkan region in Europe, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It's important to note that surnames are a relatively recent development in European history, emerging primarily during the Middle Ages for administrative purposes. The use of hereditary surnames became standardized by the end of the feudal period.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jelic

The surname Jelic is predominantly found in South Eastern Europe, particularly within Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. A significant portion of individuals bearing this last name can be traced to Croatia's Lika region, specifically the towns of Gospić and Senj, as well as nearby areas such as Karlobag and Ostrovica. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, Jelic is most common in the northwestern regions, including the towns of Bihać and Ključ. Smaller numbers of individuals with this surname can also be found in other parts of Europe and North America, due to migration patterns during the 20th century. The distribution of the name Jelic reflects historical ethnic and cultural connections within the Balkan Peninsula.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jelic

The surname Jelic has several variations and spellings worldwide due to different transcription methods and regional dialects. Some common variants include Gelich, Gelisch, Jelitsch, Jeleč, Jelićh, Jelitsch, Yelich, and Ilic. These variations can be found across various countries such as Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina where the name is most prevalent. The name Jelic is thought to have origins from the Slavic language, with 'jel' meaning 'fir tree'. It's important to note that these variations may not all be pronounced exactly the same way in different regions. For example, while "Jelich" may sound similar to "Yelich", the pronunciation can vary depending on local dialect and tradition.

Famous people with the last name Jelic

Among individuals sharing the surname Jelic, notable figures include:

1. Goran Jelic: A former Yugoslavian tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 32 in 2000. He won three ATP titles and reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in 1997.

2. Marko Jelic: A Croatian film director, screenwriter, and producer who is best known for his feature films "Dancing with Her" (2008) and "The Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors" (2015). His works have been recognized at various international film festivals.

3. Mate Jelic: A Croatian-born Australian actor, known for his roles in soap operas such as "Home and Away," "Blue Heelers," and "Neighbours." He was also a part of the ensemble cast in the critically acclaimed film "The Water Diviner" (2014).

4. Marko Jelic: A Bosnian-born American writer, literary scholar, translator, and educator who has authored several books on literature, including "Croatian Literature: An Anthology of Prose and Poetry" and "The Legacy of the Modernist Avant-Garde in Postwar Croatian Fiction."

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, showcasing the diverse talents within the Jelic family.

Genealogical research on the last name Jelic

The Jelic surname is of Slavic origin, primarily found in Croatia and neighboring countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. It is derived from the personal name Gelasius or a variant thereof, which was common among early Christian clergy during the Middle Ages. The Slavicized form of this name evolved into Jelac in Croatia and Bosnia, Jelić in Serbia, and Jelić in Montenegro.

The earliest known records of the Jelic/Jelac family can be traced back to the 15th century in the region of Dalmatia (now part of Croatia). Over time, families bearing this surname migrated throughout the Balkans and even to other parts of Europe and the Americas due to historical events such as wars, religious conflicts, and economic hardships. Notable figures with the Jelic/Jelac surname include Ivan Jelić (18th-century Croatian military leader), Mate Jelić (20th-century Croatian footballer), and Milorad Jelić (20th-century Serbian chess grandmaster).

Genealogical research on the Jelic/Jelac family has been facilitated by various archival records, including church records, census data, land records, military rosters, and immigration documents. As with many Slavic surnames, the Y-DNA haplogroup for Jelic/Jelac is typically I2a or R1b, reflecting the shared ancestry of Slavic populations in Eastern Europe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "jelic"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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